A local dry cleaning business in Bryan, Texas experienced a fire incident on Monday evening, causing significant damage to the establishment. The blaze erupted at Pride Cleaners, situated at the intersection of E 29th Street and Carter Creek Parkway, around 8:30 p.m. on October 7.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, with five different fire stations dispatching crews to combat the flames. Both Bryan and College Station Fire Departments arrived swiftly after the fire was reported. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze quickly, determining that it originated in a dryer within the facility.
Jacob Holeman, who has owned Pride Cleaners for three years, received a startling phone call informing him of the fire at his business. Upon arriving at the scene, Holeman was overwhelmed by the extent of the damage. “It was overwhelming at first. Especially when I walked in, and I saw what it looked like for the first time,” Holeman recounted. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, with Holeman stating, “We don’t know if anything is or is not ruined at this point.”
Despite the setback, Holeman remains optimistic about the future of his business. He emphasized the importance of insurance in situations like these, stating, “The event happens. That’s why insurance exists. We’re covered. Our employees and our customers are going to be covered.”
In the wake of the incident, the local community has rallied around Holeman and Pride Cleaners. Will Simmen, owner of the Pride Cleaners location in College Station, has stepped up to assist Holeman during this challenging time. Simmen plans to handle pickup, cleaning, pressing, and delivery services for Holeman’s customers, ensuring minimal disruption to their service.
The outpouring of support from the community has been a source of comfort for Holeman. He reported receiving over 100 phone calls and text messages of support within the first 24 hours following the fire. This display of community solidarity deeply moved Holeman, who remarked, “That to me that was the emotional part of it was how many people care in this community about other community members.”
As the Bryan location of Pride Cleaners remains closed for repairs, there is currently no definitive timeline for when it will resume operations. In the interim, the College Station location will manage the pickup and delivery routes typically handled by the Bryan store.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges small businesses can face and the importance of community support during difficult times. It also highlights the critical role of emergency services in responding quickly to such incidents, potentially preventing more extensive damage.
The fire at Pride Cleaners has not only impacted the business itself but has also demonstrated the resilience of local business owners and the strength of community bonds in Bryan-College Station. As Holeman and his team work towards reopening, they do so with the knowledge that they have the backing of their community and fellow business owners.
The event also underscores the importance of fire safety measures in commercial establishments, particularly those dealing with
heat-generating equipment like dryers. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, it may provide valuable insights for other businesses in the area to enhance their fire prevention strategies.
As the Bryan-College Station community continues to support Pride Cleaners through this challenging period, the incident serves as a testament to the power of local solidarity and the ability of small businesses to overcome adversity with the help of their community.